Twenty Questions - The April Interview

with Ms. Zelma 'Zee' Edgell

BELIZEmagazine.com:
According to your biographical information, we understand
that you were born in Belize City in 1940. What was it like as
a child growing up in Belize City? How has the city changed since
your youh?

Ms.
Zee Edgell: I was born in Belize City, where I grew up
there. The population of the country is much larger now, and the
architecture in certain parts of Belize City, and in the countryside,
is slowly changing. I love the National Museum in what was the
gaol when I was a girl.

BELIZEmagazine.com: Your first book "Beka
Lamb" was the first novel published by a Belizean writer
to be internationally circulated. Please tell us what this meant
to you?

Ms.
Zee Edgell:The publication of BEKA LAMB was
the realization of a childhood dream.

BELIZEmagazine.com:
You have been involved with Women's affairs and issues all
your life, in Belize as well as in other countries around the
world. Please tell us what challenges still face specifically
the women of Belize?

Ms. Zee Edgell:Belizean women continue
to work for basic needs, for example, a living wage, health care,
housing, education, etc.BELIZEmagazine.com: Working for woman's issues
as well as writing books is obviously demanding, both mentally
and physical. What do you do to keep in shape? What is your favourite
past-time occupation?

Ms.
Zee Edgell: When I was a young girl, we sometimes spent
a part of our holidays, with my grandmother, in a small house
in the bush on the Sibun River. We cooked on a fire hearth, carried
water from the well, picked the fruits, swam in the river, went
for rides in boats and dories.

BELIZEmagazine.com: What is your most favourite
Belizean food dish? What is your most favourite locally grown
fruit, what is the most favourite vegetable?

BELIZEmagazine.com: Have you ever had the
luck to see any of Belize's exotic wildlife such as a jaguar,
tapir or the like? Have you ever been bitten by a scorpion, snake
or spider?

Ms.
Zee Edgell: I have seen the jaguar, and the tapir, in
the Belize Zoo. I have never been bitten by a scorpion, snake
or spider.

BELIZEmagazine.com:
How many of the Maya archaeological sites in Belize have you visited?
Which site was the most fascinating for you?

Ms.
Zee Edgell: I have visited many Maya Sites in Belize,
and in Mexico. The last one I visited was Lamanai in the Orange
Walk District.

BELIZEmagazine.com:
What would you consider to be the greatest asset of Belize?

Ms.
Zee Edgell: I think that the people of Belize is its
greatest asset.

BELIZEmagazine.com:
Can you tell us a highlight to date of your life in your involvement
with Women's Affairs?

Ms.
Zee Edgell: I felt honoured to serve the Government of
Belize as Head of the Women's Unit, on one occasion, and as the
Director of the Department of Women's Affairs a few years later.
At present I am an Associate Professor, in the Department of English,
at Kent State University, Kent, Ohio.

BELIZEmagazine.com:
Can you tell us a highlight of your personal life?

Ms.
Zee Edgell: My husband and I have been married for about
thirty-five years. We have two grown children, who are married.
We are also grandparents.

BELIZEmagazine.com:
What are the top five books we should all read in our lifetime?

Ms.
Zee Edgell: I think people should read whatever they
feel like reading most at any given time.

BELIZEmagazine.com:
Who would be on your list of favourite Belizean artists, writers
and musicians? Who would be on your list of favourite non-Belizean
artists, writers and musicians? What kind of music do you like
to listen to?

Ms.
Zee Edgell: I enjoy the variety of music, art, and literature
in Belize.

BELIZEmagazine.com:
How would you answer the question "What is (the) Belizean
Culture?"

Ms. Zee Edgell:Belizean
culture is so complex, it would be hard to decide on a definition.

BELIZEmagazine.com:
Belize is so ecologically diverse with natural beauty abundant.
What do you consider the most beautiful spot in all of Belize?

Ms.
Zee Edgell: As you said, Belize is ecologically diverse,
and very beautiful. Like most Belizeans, I am able to find a beautiful
spot wherever I am in Belize.

BELIZEmagazine.com:
This second Edition of BELIZEmagazine.com focuses on Belize's
Ambergris Caye. What do you like about Ambergris Caye?

Ms.
Zee Edgell: I like the people of San Pedro, Ambergris
Caye, the swimming, diving, food, etc.

BELIZEmagazine.com: What do you consider
the biggest challenge for Belize and Belizeans in the 21st century?

Ms. Zee Edgell: The challenges that face all
Belizeans include a living wage, health care, housing, education
etc.

BELIZEmagazine.com:
What would you most want someone reading this article to remember
about what Belizean Zee Edgell has to say?

Ms.
Zee Edgell: If you can, send a book you like to the National
Library in Belize.